Definition

Noun: 1. A species of deciduous tree: A rapidly growing, deciduous tree native to the low mountainsides of China and Japan. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, prized for its distinctive foliage which is dark blue-green, emits a sweet, candy-like scent when in leaf, and turns vibrant shades of yellow to scarlet in the autumn.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Cercidiphyllum japonicum in the arboretum has already begun to turn a brilliant red.
  • Botanists study the unique scent produced by the leaves of Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
  • For a stunning autumn display, consider planting a Cercidiphyllum japonicum.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The name is used in its full botanical Latin form () in scientific, horticultural, and formal gardening contexts to specify the exact species.
• As a Specimen Tree: The term is often used when discussing landscape design to denote a tree planted for its singular ornamental value, as in: "The garden's focal point is a mature Cercidiphyllum japonicum."

Variants and Related Words

• Katsura Tree: This is the standard common English name for .
• Cercidiphyllum: The genus name, which may be used informally to refer to trees in this genus, though it technically includes another species ().

Synonyms

• Katsura Tree: The primary common name synonym.
• Caramel Tree: An informal name derived from the characteristic sweet, burnt-sugar scent of its leaves.

Noun

1. rapidly growing deciduous tree of low mountainsides of China and Japan; grown as an ornamental for its dark blue-green candy-scented foliage that becomes yellow to scarlet in autumn